Opportunity Detroit ~ Full Episode ~ May 17, 2026

About this episode

The episode features discussions on business growth, nonprofit impact, and Michigan's role in robotics and autonomy.

May 17, 2026 ~ Host Ann Thomas introduces Bill Kerry, who shares the 40-year history of Kerry Brothers Truck Repair, detailing its growth and the challenges of finding skilled technicians. Father John Phelps, founder of Life Directions, discusses his nonprofit’s 52 years of impacting youth, while Katie Trudeau, Eastern Market’s CEO, highlights Flower Day and upcoming market events. John Gutierrez explains Michigan’s role in autonomy and robotics, particularly with the Exponential 2026 conference and the state’s defense and aerospace initiatives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People in this episode

Host: Ann Thomas

Guests: Bill Kerry, Father John Phelps, Katie Trudeau, John Gutierrez

Topics covered

• business growth
• nonprofit impact
• youth development
• autonomy
• robotics
• market events

Keywords

• Kerry Brothers Truck Repair
• Life Directions
• Eastern Market
• Exponential 2026
• Michigan robotics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kerry Brothers Truck Repair, Life Directions, Eastern Market, Simplecast, AdsWizz

Places: Michigan

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• Opportunity Detroit ~ Keith Wunderlich · June 7, 2026 · 13 min
• Opportunity Detroit ~ Linda Nosegbe · June 7, 2026 · 11 min
• Opportunity Detroit ~ Full Epsiode ~ May 31, 2026 · May 31, 2026 · 38 min
• Opportunity Detroit ~ Maureen Donahue Krauss · May 31, 2026 · 10 min